Christian Groups Reject Proposed Ban on Preaching in Commercial Buses
Several Christian organisations have rejected the proposed ban on preaching inside commercial buses, describing the move as an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of religion and expression.
The controversy follows the passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill by the Senate, which seeks to introduce stricter penalties for several traffic-related offences. Among its provisions is a proposed ₦50,000 fine for individuals found guilty of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. The bill is yet to become law and still requires President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent before it can take effect.
Reacting to the proposal, Christian leaders argued that while maintaining order and ensuring the safety of passengers are important, preaching the gospel should not be criminalised. They maintained that religious evangelism is protected under the Nigerian Constitution, provided it does not disrupt public peace or endanger commuters.
Some church groups called on the Federal Government and lawmakers to reconsider the provision, saying many Nigerians have embraced Christianity through public evangelism, including messages delivered in buses and other public places.
According to the religious bodies, the government should focus on addressing insecurity, unemployment and other pressing national issues rather than restricting peaceful religious activities. They warned that any law perceived to target religious expression could generate unnecessary controversy and legal challenges.
Supporters of the proposed amendment, however, argue that preaching inside moving commercial buses can distract drivers, inconvenience passengers and create safety risks. They insist the objective of the provision is to improve road safety rather than suppress religious freedom.
Road safety advocates also note that the amendment groups preaching with hawking and trading in commercial vehicles because such activities may interfere with passengers and the driver’s concentration during journeys.
Legal analysts have observed that if the bill eventually receives presidential assent, its provisions could be tested in court if affected groups challenge the law on constitutional grounds. They explained that the judiciary would ultimately determine whether the restrictions are consistent with the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has not announced any plans to review the controversial provision. The bill remains part of the legislative process and has not yet become law.
The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions across social media, with some Nigerians supporting stricter regulations to improve road safety, while others believe religious preaching should remain permissible in public transport provided it is conducted peacefully and respectfully.
Until the President signs the bill into law, the existing FRSC regulations remain in force, and the proposed penalties, including the ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial buses, cannot be enforced.
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